City hosts 'Children's Holiday in the Pines' exhibit

The Glass Gallery at Pembroke Pines City Hall was packed with children and their artwork as part of the annual "Children's Holiday in the Pines" exhibit.

For nearly a decade, the gallery has annually exhibited artwork created by children at the Fletcher Art Center, as well as schools like Pines Lakes Elementary, Walter C. Young Middle and various campuses from the city's charter schools. With so many submissions coming from so many sources, the gallery has been packed more than usual, with art having to be attached to both sides of display panels.

"It was a very small art show … that kept growing and growing," said Benoit Menasche, the city's art curator.

With more than 250 submissions, it left little room for maneuvering during the exhibit's opening reception. Although the exhibit has been on display since late November, Menasche said he scheduled the reception late in its run to be timed close to Christmas and create a holiday atmosphere.

"It's hard to reject kids' art when they put their heart and soul into it," he said.

The work from children in elementary through middle school includes pieces like a llama-looking animal made from bottle caps, painted Asian-style hand fans, detailed sketches of eyes and fruits and a Romero Britto-themed Mickey Mouse.

To match the holiday theme, the reception featured a puppet show and gifts handed out to children from Santa Claus. Menasche said preparation for the annual exhibit begins with the start of the school year.

Menasche credits the teachers from the participating schools who work with the children who contribute art.

"The teachers are doing this on their own time, and I admire them for their dedication," he said.

Menasche said some schools he reached out to no longer have dedicated art teachers due to budget cuts. Working on art in school is something that he encourages.

"Art is something that opens the minds of kids and helps them become successful," Menasche said.

The exhibit runs through Jan. 7 at the gallery, 10100 Pines Blvd. It will be replaced on Jan. 9 by an exhibit of works created by Weston Art Guild members.